Bible Figure
Elkanah
husband of Hannah and father of Samuel in the Books of Samuel
Elkanah was the husband of Hannah and Peninnah and the father of the prophet Samuel.
Biography
First Samuel 1 presents Elkanah as a man who regularly traveled from Ramah to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice. He had two wives: Peninnah, who had children, and Hannah, who was childless and deeply distressed. Elkanah loved Hannah and gave her a special portion, though he did not fully grasp the depth of her grief. After Hannah prayed for a son and Samuel was born, Elkanah supported fulfillment of her vow to dedicate the child to the Lord. The family continued visiting Shiloh, and Hannah later bore additional children.
Biblical Significance
Elkanah forms part of the faithful household setting from which Samuel's prophetic ministry emerged. His regular worship and support of Hannah's vow help frame the transition from the judges to Samuel and the monarchy.